Slow Down: It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week: Prevent Car Accidents, Protect Workers

April 3-7 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. As construction season approaches, we remind Pennsylvania drivers to take extra caution when moving through a work zone.

Pennsylvania drivers are used to road work. It can be easy to take construction zones for granted and zip through orange barrel-and-cone mazes without care.

National Work Zone Awareness Week reminds drivers everywhere to slow down and take care in road construction zones.  Last year, there were more than 2,000 crashes in Pennsylvania road work zones.  While highway workers are highly vulnerable, drivers and passengers make up the majority of work zone fatalities.

And, recklessness in a work zone can cost you. In PA, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones. If you cause a serious injury in a work zone, you face a $5,000 fine and a six-month license suspension. […]

Free Motorcycle Safety Courses for Pennsylvania Riders

Spring will be here before we know it. That’s why PennDOT wants motorcycle riders to brush up on safety before the season starts.

Whether you’re a newly licensed rider, an experienced biker, or getting back on the bike for the first time in a while, the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) offers courses for riders of all skill levels. The PAMSP offers free training for PA residents with a motorcycle license or learner’s permit. Learner’s permit holders who successfully complete the necessary safety course will be issued a motorcycle license.

Riders in Northeast PA can find courses in Dunmore, Nanticoke, and Lake Ariel. To find one near you, click here.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

As with driving a car, there are certain basic safety rules that all bikers should know. Exposed to the elements and less visible than larger vehicles on the road, […]

As Crash Deaths Reach 40k, Adults Drive Worse Than Teens

Who are the riskiest drivers on the road?

While teenage drivers have the highest chances of dying in a car crash, they are not the worst drivers. According to a new study from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety,  young adult drivers report engaging in dangerous driving behavior more than any other age group. They found that about 88% of young adults (age 19-24) admitted to speeding, running red lights, or texting while driving in the last 30 days.

Older adults (25-39) weren’t far behind, at 79%. Among drivers 40-59 years old, 75% owned up to these bad behaviors. Teenagers? Just 69%.

Nearly half of drivers 19-24 years old reported driving through a light that had just turned red when they could have stopped safely. They appear twice as likely as other age groups to type a text while driving. […]

Report of State Safety Laws: PA Gets Failing Grade

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety have released their annual report card of state safety laws. The report highlights 15 recommended laws regarding occupant protection (seatbelt use, motorcycle helmets) impaired and distracted driving, teen drivers (graduated licensing and age-based restrictions), and child passenger safety.

Best and Worst States for Traffic Safety

The report granted states a green (best), yellow, or red (worst) rating, based on their adoption of recommended optimal traffic safety laws. This year, in a record low, only five states earned a green rating:

• Rhode Island
• Delaware
• Washington
• Louisiana
• Oregon
• District of Columbia

Seventeen states were assigned a red rating. The five worst:

• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Arizona
• Missouri
• Montana

Pennsylvania’s Safety Laws Need Improvement

So how did PA do? […]

Tips for Sharing the Road with a Snow Plow

When snow covers the roads here in PA, snow plows come to the rescue.

Plows help make dangerous roads safer, but when sharing the road with a plow, you should still use extra caution.

Tips for Driving Around Snow Plows

Give a plow plenty of space. The plow itself can extend over the center line, so keep this in mind as you share the road with an oncoming plow.  The same rule applies if you’re behind the plow. Allow plenty of extra space in between your vehicle and the plow, as they may make unexpected stops or turns. And, due to their limited field of vision, the space directly behind the plow is a blind spot.

If you’re traveling behind a snow plow, it’s a good idea to stay there. They tend to travel more slowly than the speed limit, […]

Getting Your Car Ready for a New Baby

Welcoming a new baby to the family is an exciting and sometimes scary time. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure your family’s safety, starting with the ride home from the hospital.

We’re pleased to share a guest blog post from auto blogger Matthew Young on how to prepare your vehicle for the arrival of a new baby.

Buying baby clothes, obtaining toys, and safeguarding the house are tasks that most couples complete before the arrival of their baby. But you don’t want to get so caught up in those tasks that you forget to prepare your car. Taking the right steps now will allow you to transform your vehicle into a safe and comfortable environment in which you will be able to transport your baby with peace of mind.

Car Seat

Although you will take many factors into consideration, […]

What to Do if Your Vehicle Breaks Down

Car trouble can be a nightmare any time of the year, but winter weather conditions can make even common mishaps more dangerous.

According to PennDOT, it’s Winter Driving Awareness Week. We’ve already shared some winter weather driving tips to help you stay safe in the ice and snow. But what if your car breaks down? The first step to staying safe is to not panic. Check out the tips below in the case of a wintertime breakdown.

What to do if your car breaks down

1. Pay attention to your vehicle and assess the problem. If you notice steering problems, unusual noises, smoke, or other warning signs, remain calm. Don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings; note your location, put your blinker on, and find a place to pull over.

2. Carefully pull off of the road, […]

Feds Urge Smartphone Makers to Help Fight Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) faces an uphill battle against distracted driving. Deadly car accidents are on the rise, and electronic distractions – apps, social media, and texting behind the wheel – are to blame.

Car accident fatalities are at their highest since 2009, and 2016 has seen a nearly 10% jump over last year.  Insurance companies and safety experts point to driver distraction as the most likely culprit.  And it’s easy to see why. In a world where we are almost never disconnected from our phones, many smartphone apps are practically designed for use while driving. To see what an epidemic distracted driving has become, simply look to your left or right when stuck at a traffic light, observes Nick Kurczewski at Cars.com. You will more than likely see one of your fellow drivers looking down at their phone. […]

Signs your teenager isn’t ready to drive unsupervised

Just because they passed the test doesn’t always mean teen drivers are ready to take on the open road.

In fact, many state laws place limitations on newly licensed drivers under the age of 18. And for good reason: young, inexperienced teen drivers are the age group most likely to be in a car crash.

Pennsylvania Teen Driver Laws

In Pennsylvania, the law prohibits junior license holders from driving between 11 pm and 5 am hours without a parent or guardian (fatal nighttime crash rates for new drivers are double the rate of daytime fatalities). And, during the first 6 months of holding a junior driver’s license, a teen may not drive with more than 1 unrelated passenger under age 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. After the first 6 months, teens may not drive with more than three unrelated passengers, […]

October Car Care Tips: Part 2

October is AAA Car Care Month. Earlier this month, we shared some tips on how to keep your vehicle in good working condition. We covered some of the basics, like checking your tires, battery charge, oil, and windshield wiper blades.

But those aren’t the only things you’ll want to check, especially as the temperature drops and winter is just around the corner. We’ve got four more car care tips to help keep your car or truck safe on the road.

Four (More) Seasonal Car Care Tips

Engine – The coming cold weather will make any existing engine issues worse, so this is a good time to have a good mechanic check any drivability problems. Replace air filters as needed, and pay attention to any warning lights. If the “check engine” light comes on, there may be a problem with the exhaust emissions.   […]

October is Car Care Month – Give Your Vehicle a Check-Up

Safe driving begins with a well-maintained car. October is Car Care Month at AAA, and the change in seasons is a perfect time to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

Four Things to Check During Car Care Month

Tires – Worn out or improperly inflated tires can spell danger on the road. The change in temperature that comes with the changing seasons can affect your tire pressure, so make sure all four tires are at the proper level. The roads can also be more slick during the fall; wet leaves on the road can be as bad as ice. Worn tires have less traction, so check your tire tread with a quarter. Hint: If George Washington’s entire head is visible, you should get new tires. Get more tire tips here.

Oil – Your car works hard all summer, […]

Fatal Car Crashes Rise Sharply in 2016

Fatal car crashes are soaring, and the government is scrambling to come up with a way to bring these numbers down.

Nearly 18,000 people have been killed in traffic accidents so far this year, an increase of more than 10% over the same period in 2015. From 2014 to 2015, traffic deaths jumped more than 7%, the largest year-over-year increase since the 1960s. This year’s surge will likely surpass that record.

It’s true that Americans are driving more miles than they did last year (3.3% more), but not enough to account for the increase in crashes.

Road to Zero Fatal Car Crashes

A number of safety groups have come together to form Road to Zero, a coalition aimed at lowering the number of traffic deaths to zero by the year 2046. Their goal is inspired by Swedish policies begun in 1997 that brought crashes down 50% in less than 15 years. […]

Pennsylvania #3 in the U.S. for Deer Collisions

It’s the first day of fall. The new season brings lots to look forward to.  But, for Pennsylvania drivers, it also means you’re more likely to encounter a deer on the road.

Pennsylvania is now #3 in the U.S. for deer collisions – up from #4 last year. State Farm estimates that one in 67 Pennsylvania drivers will file an insurance claim for a car accident involving a deer in 2016.

Why does the risk increase in the fall? October through December is deer mating season, which also coincides with hunting season when deer are likely to be on the move. At the same time, days are getting shorter and darkness falls earlier, reducing driver visibility.

Tips to avoid hitting a deer

• Slow down, particularly at dusk and dawn. Especially on rural roads or in wooded areas, it’s important to remember that a large animal could be around the next corner or dart out unexpectedly. […]

New Red Light Law Takes Effect in Pennsylvania

Yesterday, a new red light law went into effect in Pennsylvania.  Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have done a breakdown of what the new law means and how it applies to you.

Under the new law, drivers may go through a red light under certain circumstances. For instance, if the light appears to be broken, or if the sensor appears to be malfunctioning, drivers may legally pass through the light.

The law was originally created with motorcyclists in mind. In many cases, traffic lights are activated by sensors under the pavement that detect when a car approaches an intersection and trigger the light to turn green. Unfortunately, the sensors don’t always pick up on motorcycles, and so the light does not change. The new law aims to offer a practical solution to this problem.

Red light law and safety

Some people have expressed safety concerns regarding the new red light law. […]

What’s between a close call and a crash? Your brakes

3 ways to check the status of your brakes

What does that sound mean? An unusual noise is one of the most common signs that your brakes may need attention.

According to AAA, your brakes are the most important safety system on your vehicle. It’s true that a properly working brake system can mean the difference between a close call and a crash. Over time, brake systems become worn and brakes just don’t work like they did when they were new. Regular brake inspection and maintenance can help keep them in good working order and keep you safer.

How to tell if something’s wrong with your brakes

1. Listen – Does your car make a grinding or scraping noise when you apply the brakes? If so, take it in for an inspection immediately. That sound can be a sign that your brake pads need replacing. […]

Help prevent a traffic jam this Labor Day weekend

If you are traveling this Labor Day weekend, you may be bracing yourself for an inevitable traffic jam. Nothing kills your excitement for a long weekend like getting stuck in stop-and-go traffic. And, Labor Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. That also makes it one of the most dangerous.  Crowded highways and frustrated drivers can make a deadly combination.

Analysts expect this year to be especially busy, with the lowest Labor Day weekend gas prices since 2004. With these numbers in mind, the National Safety Council estimates that 483 will die on the roads this weekend.

Here are some weekend travel tips to make your road trip a little easier.

How to help prevent traffic jams and car accidents

Did you know – not every traffic jam is caused by  a car accident or road work. […]

Traffic Deaths Continue to Rise in 2015, 2016

Traffic deaths in the U.S. are rising at an alarming rate.

In 2015, fatal car crashes increased 7.2% from the previous year. And, preliminary numbers for the first half of 2016 show a 9% increase over the same period last year.

So far this year, more than 19,000 people have lost their lives in car crashes, and an additional 2.2 million have suffered injuries. Given these numbers, the National Safety Council estimates that this year could be the deadliest Labor Day weekend in 8 years.

Why are fatal accidents up so much, and what can we do about it?

On one hand, cars are getting safer. Safety equipment and technology have improved remarkably over the last decade, with many life-saving features now standard on new models. Yet traffic deaths continue to climb.

According to National Safety Council CEO Deborah Hersman,  […]

Self-driving cars may be here sooner than expected

The future of self-driving cars may arrive sooner than expected.

Ford said last week that the company plans to mass-produce fully autonomous vehicles by 2021.

Other automakers and tech companies have begun testing self-driving cars  that provide a level of autonomy, within limits, while still allowing the driver to take over if necessary. These kinds of vehicles are equipped with an “autopilot” mode, or crash-avoidance technology.

The cars Ford expects to introduce in the next five years, however,  will be truly driverless, and will have no steering wheel, gas pedal, or brake pedal.

Self-Driving Cars and Safety

Ford proposes that these vehicles will revolutionize transportation and improve safety on the road. Critics of self-driving cars are concerned that there are factors that an autonomous vehicle simply cannot predict or respond to, and that the technology may be vulnerable to glitches or hacking. […]

How effective are night driving restrictions for teens?

Most nighttime accidents among teens occur before midnight, a new study shows. This means that night driving restrictions on teens that prohibit driving after midnight may be ineffective.

Driving in the dark increases crash risk for all drivers.  Young and inexperienced drivers face an even greater risk; one-third of fatal teen car crashes happen at night. That’s why every state in the U.S. (except VT) has laws restricting how late newly licensed teen drivers can be on the road unsupervised. In 23 states and the District of Columbia, the ban goes into effect at midnight or later. New research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that this is too late.

Ruth Shuts, a researcher at the CDC, suggests 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. might be a more appropriate curfew for unsupervised newly licensed drivers. […]

Drivers Beware – Pokemon Go is Driving People to Distraction

Pokemon Go is taking over.

If you haven’t already heard, Pokemon Go is an enormously popular new augmented reality gaming app that uses players’ GPS and smartphone camera to allow users to explore their real-life environments to capture virtual creatures.  Launched about a week ago, it has already been downloaded by 7.5 million people. It surpassed Tinder as the #1 most downloaded app on iTunes,  and is getting more usage time than any social media platform.

If distracted driving wasn’t enough of a problem already…

The game has been praised for getting people outside, moving around, and interacting with other users in real life. However, the game can be highly distracting. There have already been reports of people falling, walking into walls, and being robbed while trying to catch Pokemon. Safety officials have issued warnings, urging players to “look up once in a while.” […]